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New Music Friday: Our Top 7 Albums Out On May 24

NPR | By Robin Hilton,
Ann Powers, Sidney Madden, Stephen Thompson
Published May 24, 2019 at 5:00 AM EDT
Compton rapper YG. His latest release, <em>4REAL 4REAL, </em>is on our short list for the best new albums dropping on May 24.
Courtesy of the artist
Compton rapper YG. His latest release, 4REAL 4REAL, is on our short list for the best new albums dropping on May 24.

Our shortlist of the best albums out this week includes a stirring call for social justice from soul and gospel legend Mavis Staples, rapper YG's powerful remembrance of Nipsey Hussle and the first new release in six years from lo-fi rock veterans Sebadoh. Host Robin Hilton is joined by NPR Music's Ann Powers, Sidney Madden and Stephen Thompson as they share their picks for the most essential albums dropping on May 24.

Featured Albums:

  • Mavis Staples: We Get By
    Featured Song: "Sometime"

  • Justin Townes Earle: The Saint of Lost Causes
    Featured Song: "Flint City Shake It"

  • Lucky Daye: Painted
    Featured Song: "Late Night"

  • YG: 4REAL 4REAL
    Featured Song: "Do Yo Dance"

  • Billy Ray Cyrus: The Snake Doctor Circus
    Featured Song: "The Reckoning"

  • Flying Lotus: Flamagra
    Featured Songs: "More" and "Fire Is Coming"

  • Sebadoh: Act Surprised
    Featured Song: "Celebrate the Void"

    • Other notable releases for May 24:Cate Le Bon: Reward;Fay Webster: Atlanta Millionaires Club;Hayden Thorpe: Diviner;Honeyblood: In Plain Sight;Middle Kids: New Songs for Old Problems;Sean Nelson: Nelson Sings Nilsson;Steve Lacy: Apollo XXI;Stray Cats: 40.

    Stream The Music:

    Copyright 2020 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

    United States & World
    Robin Hilton
    Robin Hilton is a host and senior producer for the All Songs Considered podcast and Tiny Desk, a series he helped create — and named — in 2008.
    See stories by Robin Hilton
    Ann Powers
    Ann Powers is NPR Music's critic and correspondent.
    See stories by Ann Powers
    Sidney Madden
    See stories by Sidney Madden
    Stephen Thompson
    Stephen Thompson is a host, writer and reviewer for NPR Music and Pop Culture Happy Hour. He appears frequently on All Songs Considered and NPR newsmagazines.
    See stories by Stephen Thompson